Mark Heard: December 16, 1951 – August 16, 1992

On July 4, 1992, Heard had a heart attack on stage while performing with Pierce Pettis and Kate Miner, at the Cornerstone Festival, near Chicago. Heard finished his set and went to the hospital immediately afterwards. Two weeks after being released from the hospital, Heard had a cardiac arrest and died on August 16th of 1992.

Mark’s final three albums (Dry Bones Dance, Second Hand, and Satellite Sky) were nothing short of brilliant. Regrettably, they’re all out of print, but still available on Amazon at inflated prices. Still, well worth the shirt off your back.

Another alternative (also via Amazon) is High Noon, a collection of songs (with audio samples) culled from his last three albums.

Here’s an animated video honoring one of Mark’s songs called “Lonely Moon”: